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 MT. 26.] TO HIS MOTHER. 129

brook, in the midst of the garden with all its weeds ; for what are botanical distinctions at this distance?

TO HIS MOTHER (AT CONCORD).

STATEN ISLAND, October 1, 1843. DEAR MOTHER, I hold together remarka bly well as yet, speaking of my outward linen and woolen man ; no holes more than I brought away, and no stitches needed yet. It is mar velous. I think the Fates must be on my side, for there is less than a plank between me and Time, to say the least. As for Eldorado, that is far off yet. My bait will not tempt the rats, they are too well fed. The &quot; Democratic Re view &quot; is poor, and can only afford half or quar ter pay, which it will do; and they say there is a &quot; Lady s Companion&quot; that pays, but I could not write anything companionable. How ever, speculate as we will, it is quite gratuitous; for life, nevertheless and never the more, goes steadily on, well or ill-fed, and clothed somehow, and &quot; honor bright &quot; withal. It is very gratify ing to live in the prospect of great successes always ; and for that purpose we must leave a sufficient foreground to see them through. All the painters prefer distant prospects for the greater breadth of view, and delicacy of tint. But this is no news, and describes no new con ditions.